Currently, at least 86 lawsuits have been filed against companies named in the recent Congressional report on heavy metals in baby food.  One large manufacturer has already announced that it will exit the infant cereal category citing difficulties sourcing rice flour that consistently complies with FDA guidance levels for inorganic arsenic.  Since the Congressional report was published, infant food companies have been hit with a flood of lawsuits alleging that the companies knowingly sold baby food that contained harmful heavy metals while the products were marketed as being healthy.  The litigation brings into focus again the arguments around feasibility of compliance.  The concerns around rice and heavy metals may require more than reformulation to meet FDA guidance levels and underscore continued supply chain difficulties.  It is expected that more manufacturers may choose to exit the infant rice cereal market.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne

Posted on 16 June 2021